A CAMPAIGN has been launched to promote breast-feeding in County Durham.

The strategy has been developed by the six primary care trusts (PCTs) across County Durham and Darlington.

The programme also involves health visitors, midwives and other staff from the Acute Trust, health promotion specialists, and Sure Start.

Councillor John Priestley, chairman of Durham County Council's health scrutiny committee, said: "This is a strategy to ensure a healthier future for our residents, and it needs to be widely publicised."

Experts say that breastfeeding, particularly if sustained for the first six months, can make a major contribution to the health of both child and mother.

However, only 44 per cent of women in County Durham and Darlington try breast-feeding, compared with the national average of 60 per cent.

The strategy, launched on Monday, describes current services available and sets out actions to be taken to protect and promote breastfeeding.

Dr Tricia Cresswell, director of public health for Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT, launched the strategy at County Hall earlier this week.

Dr Cresswell, said: "Breastfeeding is best for babies and for mums.

"It helps babies' immune systems and protects them from a number of illnesses, in particular gastrointestinal infections, respiratory illnesses and allergies."

She added: "If we are to encourage mums to breast-feed in the future, we need to raise awareness among the wider public about supporting breast-feeding mothers, particularly if they need to breast-feed in public places."